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Victoria Monet just delivered a major career moment by presenting Tate McRae with the 2026 Hitmaker Award at Billboard Women in Music. The ceremony airs live tonight on April 29 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. It’s a full-circle moment for two rising powerhouses who are reshaping pop music.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Host: Keke Palmer leads the Billboard Women in Music 2026 ceremony
- Streaming: Event airs live on Billboard.com and YouTube starting at 9:30 p.m. ET
- Presenters: Includes Brandi Carlile, Ciara, Dionne Warwick, and Kim Petras
- Multiple honorees: HUNTR/X receives Woman of the Year, Kehlani wins Impact Award
Victoria Monet’s Rising Superstar Status
Victoria Monet is having one of the biggest years of her career. The three-time Grammy winner received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on March 30, 2026, cementing her legacy as a true entertainment powerhouse. Her debut album JAGUAR II and its deluxe edition defined a genre with flawless R&B execution and chart-dominating hits.
At the 66th Grammy Awards, Monet swept major categories including Best New Artist and Best R&B Artist, making headlines as one of the night’s biggest winners. Now presenting at Women in Music, she’s passing the torch to emerging talent while solidifying her own position as an industry icon.
Victoria Monet presents Tate McRae with Hitmaker Award at Billboard Women in Music 2026
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Who Is Tate McRae, Billboard’s 2026 Hitmaker
At just 22 years old, Tate McRae has already transformed from a bedroom songwriter into a global pop phenomenon. The Canadian pop star earned the Hitmaker Award recognition for her songwriting prowess and cultural impact with massive hits like “Greedy,” “Sports Car,” and “What I Want” featuring Morgan Wallen.
Her 2025 album So Close to What topped the Billboard 200 and cemented her status as a main-pop-girl. She swept the 2026 Juno Awards with four wins including Album of the Year and Artist of the Year, proving her staying power in the industry.
The Significance of Being Named Hitmaker
Billboard’s Hitmaker Award celebrates artists who have mastered the craft of hit songwriting while connecting with millions globally. McRae’s acceptance represents recognition of her very specific vision for her music and her command of pop perfection across multiple chart-topping releases.
| Award Category | Honoree 2026 |
| Woman of the Year | HUNTR/X |
| Hitmaker Award | Tate McRae |
| Impact Award | Kehlani |
| Visionary Award | Teyana Taylor |
Billboard has already spotlighted McRae’s evolution. The April 2026 cover story details her artistic transformation with choreographer Sean Bankhead and her meticulous approach to creating pop hits that feel both timeless and innovative.
“I have always wanted to mold the next big pop girlie who could not just write amazing songs and sing them live but of course command every stage she stepped foot on. And with Tate we accomplished that in a very quick two years.”
— Sean Bankhead, Renowned Choreographer
Tonight’s Star-Studded Celebration
The 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards promises a night of performances and presentations across multiple award categories. Major presenters include Bella Poarch, Brandi Carlile, Cara Delevingne, and Lainey Wilson, creating moments of recognition and empowerment across the music industry.
Keke Palmer hosts the entire ceremony while several award recipients will perform live. The event celebrates women who have shaped music, business, and culture throughout the year, from rising stars to established icons pushing boundaries in their respective genres.
Will You Tune In Tonight for Billboard Women in Music?
The April 29 ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium marks another major moment for music’s biggest female voices. Streaming live on Billboard.com and YouTube at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT, the event brings together industry legends and emerging talent to celebrate a transformative year in pop, R&B, country, and beyond.
From Victoria Monet’s Grammy-winning achievements to Tate McRae’s record-breaking success, tonight showcases why these artists represent the future of globally dominant pop music. Which moments are you most excited to see tonight?
Sources
- Billboard – Coverage of Billboard Women in Music 2026, Tate McRae’s Hitmaker Award, and artist profiles
- Grammy.com – Victoria Monet’s award wins and career achievements
- Billboard – Event announcement including presenter lineup and honorees
